Newmai News Network IMPHAL | January 30 Angry locals protested killing of two youths—an excavator driver and his assistant— allegedly by suspected Kuki National Front (KNF) at Moulsohoi village of Ukhrul district on the night of January 28. According to reports, the deceased Laishram Tompok, 27, resident of Sekmaijin in Imphal West, Laishram Thoi, 22, resident of Yairipok Khoirom in Thoubal district and a labourer were kidnapped by suspected KNF(N) at Saichang village of Sadar Hills for ransom on January 26. The duo were killed when the suspected KNF (N) cadres exchanged fire with cadres of Kuki National Army (KNA) who were trying to rescue abductees. One of the suspected KNF (N) members was also injured in the encounter. The suspected KNF (N) had reportedly demanded Rs 20 lakh as ransom. KNA is the armed wing of Kuki National Organisation (KNO) currently under suspension of operation involving the centre and state government. The locals blocked the traffic at Sekmaijin section of Mayai Lambi road demanding immediate arrest of all culprits involved in the killing of the two. Besides, a large number of people there staged a sit-in protest at a local community hall to demand punishment to the culprits. The agitating locals later submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding immediate arrest of the accused responsible for the killing, exemplary punishment to the accused, Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia and a government job to the next of kin.
